Copycat firms

According to a report in the Irish Independent this week, more than 100 ‘dodgy’ firms have made attempts to part Irish consumers with their money over the past five years, using the names and addresses of legitimate companies. Charlie Weston notes than notices concerning 128 companies/individuals have been issued by regulators working for the Central Bank, as revealed by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe in the Dáil.

One recent notice drew attention to a firm referred to as Active Funds ICAV, operating as an investment firm in Ireland without proper authorisation. “This unauthorised firm has cloned the details (name and address) of a Central Bank authorised and regulated firm of the same name. It should be noted that there is no connection whatsoever between the Central Bank authorised firm Active Funds ICAV and the unauthorised entity that has cloned its details,” the Central Bank said.

Passport facts

This week The Irish Times tackles the interesting topic of Irish passports. For example, did you know that Ireland is ranked fifth on the Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index, which ranks countries according to the travel freedoms they can enjoy? Irish passport holders can visit 172 countries around the world without a visa, just four less than Germany at the top of the list, on 176.

Want to know more about how you can easily renew your passport, security features on each and every one produced, photo requirements or emergency renewals? Read on.

Extra childcare spaces

Finally, Minister for Children Katherine Zappone and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar have announced Government funding of €4 million that will provide over 5,000 extra childcare spaces for school age children. Two out of three strands of funding were announced on Tuesday, with a third due in the coming weeks, making spaces available in 225 childcare services.

The announcement is part of broader efforts that will provide greater childcare supports and subsidies, aimed at benefiting up to 70,000 children from this September.

“In a Republic of Opportunity everyone should have the chance to access employment and education. Childcare can often be a barrier to this, whereas it should be a bridge to opportunity for parents, their children and our economy. These new subsidies will create greater parental choice and financial support for families so they can achieve their full potential,” the Taoiseach said. “I’m delighted that investment made this year will help families begin to feel a difference in their pockets from September. I urge everyone with children in childcare to visit affordablechildcare.ie to see the supports available to their family.”